Seven dimensions, one pattern — across every worldview
Today we apply Smart's seven dimensions to real religions. The claim: every worldview — from Christianity to Humanism — expresses all seven dimensions, just in different ways.
Without looking at anything, write down one thing you think all religions and worldviews might have in common.
This is your hypothesis. You'll test it in the Encounter tab.
If religion really is seven dimensions in different combinations, then all worldviews should have all seven. The difference is not whether they have them, but how they express them.
Every worldview has a story about who we are and core beliefs about meaning and truth.
Narrative: God created the world, humans fell into sin, Jesus came to save us, and we'll face judgment.
Doctrinal: Jesus is God's Son. The Trinity. Salvation through faith in Christ.
Narrative: God created all; prophets were sent to guide humanity; the Qur'an is God's final revelation; the Day of Judgment will come.
Doctrinal: Tawhid (absolute oneness of God). Muhammad is the final prophet. The Five Pillars define right living.
Narrative: Siddhartha discovered that life contains suffering caused by craving; he found the path to end it.
Doctrinal: The Four Noble Truths. The Eightfold Path. No creator God, but a path to enlightenment.
Narrative: Humans evolved; we have no cosmic destiny; meaning comes from the here-and-now.
Doctrinal: Reason and evidence matter. The supernatural doesn't. Human flourishing is the goal.
Ethical: The Torah commands justice, mercy, and love of neighbour. The Talmud teaches how to apply these daily.
Ritual: Shabbat (weekly rest), kashrut (dietary laws), festivals, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, prayer.
Ethical: Dharma — your duty based on your stage of life and role. Right action leads to good karma.
Ritual: Puja (worship), yoga, meditation, pilgrimage, festivals like Diwali and Holi.
Ethical: Honesty, hard work, sharing with others. All people are equal before God.
Ritual: Prayer, langar (communal meal open to all), wearing the Five Ks, Gurdwara worship.
Narrative + Doctrinal: The birth story of Jesus · Ethical: Messages of peace and goodwill · Ritual: Church services, carol singing, advent candles · Experiential: Awe when you hear a choir; joy with family · Institutional: Churches organize services; clergy lead · Material: Christmas trees, nativity scenes, church buildings
Narrative + Doctrinal: The Buddha's awakening · Ethical: Commitment to compassion · Ritual: Temple meditation, lighting lanterns · Experiential: Peace during meditation · Institutional: Monasteries organize events · Material: Temples, statues, prayer beads, incense
Different stories, different rituals, different buildings — but the same seven dimensions.
Narrative: Following in the footsteps of Muhammad and Abraham · Doctrinal: One of the Five Pillars · Ethical: Teaches humility and equality (all wear the same white clothes) · Ritual: Circling the Kaaba, prayers · Experiential: Profound spiritual experience; connection to 2 billion Muslims · Institutional: Organised by Islamic authorities · Material: The Kaaba, sacred stones, pilgrim's dress
One practice can express all seven dimensions. They're not separate boxes but interlocking parts of a whole system.
For each practice, identify which dimensions it expresses:
Involves lighting candles, resting from work, special meals, prayer, and reflection. Both a commandment from the Torah and a cherished tradition.
Core practice taught by monasteries, recommended in the Eightfold Path, produces calming experiences.
Couple exchanges vows, celebrant shares poetry about love and partnership, community witnesses. No God invoked, but meaningful and structured.
If you had to say which of Smart's dimensions is most important for holding a worldview together, how would you rank them? Write your top 3 and bottom 1.
Explain why your top 3 are the glue that holds worldviews together.
Target: 80–150 words
Pick one dimension. Explain it to a 10-year-old in exactly 2 sentences.
Can you have a religion (or worldview) without one of Smart's dimensions?
Could there be a religion with no ritual? No story? No material objects?
Step 1 — YES, you could (pick a dimension and argue you don't need it):
Step 2 — NO, you couldn't (push back — why would a worldview need all seven?):
Step 3 — Your judgment:
For each worldview, identify which dimensions are most distinctive or emphasised. You don't need all seven for each — just the ones that stand out.